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Mac Mini as a portable laptop replacement

My Mac Mini

I am deployed in Afghanistan and this is what I did. I wanted a Mini with my PS3 and mounted them both in a weather-proof Pelican case. Inside is a monster power supply and under the PS3 is my Mini power brick and a Linksys router. The screen I used is a HP 2159m. I chose it for the built in speakers and HDMI input for the PS3. The whole package (with controllers/keyboard mouse/games/1.5tb hard drive) tips the scales at 43lbs. I close the lid and sent it through checked baggage and it so far has survived the desert pretty good (optical drive crapped).
 

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srexy said:
1. Macbook/(Pro) + wireless kb and (magic) mouse - packs into a laptop bag as hand luggage. Includes all peripherals we mostly need. I actually use this setup at home in conjunction with a 20" ACD and Griffin Elevator - it's fantastic - it's my "Desktop Replacement"!
2. 20" or 21.5" iMac + kb and mouse - packs into neat Apple box complete with carrying handle and includes all peripherals we mostly need. Both versions weigh 20lbs but can be checked separately or even better - **carried on as hand luggage**.
3. Mac Mini + kb + mouse + monitor + webcam + speakers + mic - packs into a suitcase or a myriad of boxes.
4. Troll bait - sorry I wasted my time.
Click to expand...

1. Specifically what the OP did NOT want.

2. Too big - OP specifically limited size to 19"

3. Where do speakers, webcam, and mic come into play? OP doesn't mention them. The mini does have a built in speaker (though not great).

4. Mini users are familiar with troll bait from the iMac fanbois.
 
I did this, for a bit, and it can be done.

The best thing to do is have a display and power brick at each location you are going to use it, then all you need to carry around is the mini, mouse and keyboard. You can buy a half decent used 15" display for £50, and a power cable for £40, so for less than £100 ($150?) you can be set up in another location.

I did however, after about 6 months, get bored with the idea, bought a 15" MBP (as wanted the bigger screen) and plugged my mini into my TV at home.

But, it can be done :)
 
ADent said:
1. Specifically what the OP did NOT want.

2. Too big - OP specifically limited size to 19"

3. Where do speakers, webcam, and mic come into play? OP doesn't mention them. The mini does have a built in speaker (though not great).

4. Mini users are familiar with troll bait from the iMac fanbois.
Click to expand...

1. 2. 3. Don't be obtuse

4.I have one of all of the above - the iMac is the one I use the least. The Troll Bait was set by the OP I believe...

Nice setup above - the way to do it in style.
 
srexy said:
1. 2. 3. Don't be obtuse

4.I have one of all of the above - the iMac is the one I use the least. The Troll Bait was set by the OP I believe...

Nice setup above - the way to do it in style.
Click to expand...

The mind boggles as to how asking a simple question, with simple parameters, equals "Troll Bait" just because some people here just can't understand his not wanting a laptop. Talk about obtuse.......
 
rnb2 said:
How many times does he have to say "I don't want a laptop" before people will stop replying with "You should really get a laptop, and here are all the reasons"?

He doesn't want a laptop, period. For what he wants to do, the mini will work fine. The only issue is the monitor, so I'd say pick up the cheapest screen that meets your needs; pack it up if you can, or buy another cheap monitor at your next stop.

I know you have a keyboard, but you might want to take a look at the Apple Wireless (Bluetooth) keyboard. I got one with my new iMac, and it's very nice - unbelievably small and light without being at all fragile.
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Because is an idiot that can figure out his mind, that is why!

Dude, first, are you gay? because you are all insecure and spoiled about "I do not like laptops". I have been editing videos in a laptop just fine as I do with my 30" monitor at my studio. Is just a mater of not being so gay and sisy and have consideration on evenlution and give an actual use to the brain nature gave you that can addapet to more complicated situations than the one you are telling.

If you get a mac mini you need a lot of peripherals to run it and it will make your life a living hell besides doing your fingernails and your hair every 2 hours. You do not need a mac mini, I know it looks cute an cozy but it is a pain. Get a 17" mac book pro, a man laptop and that is it.
 
dubhe said:
I did this, for a bit, and it can be done.

The best thing to do is have a display and power brick at each location you are going to use it, then all you need to carry around is the mini, mouse and keyboard. You can buy a half decent used 15" display for £50, and a power cable for £40, so for less than £100 ($150?) you can be set up in another location.

I did however, after about 6 months, get bored with the idea, bought a 15" MBP (as wanted the bigger screen) and plugged my mini into my TV at home.

But, it can be done :)
Click to expand...

Yep, that's the call.

Found an LG E1940T for about 150 bucks. 18.5 inch.

This LED Bad boy is super thin and weighs in at only 2 KG.

This is the smallest thinest monitor around as far as I can see. Gonna give it a go and lug it around in my suitcase. If that proves to be a pain I'll just get a cheapy second hand at each location.

Anyways just thought I'd mention this for anyone inthe market for a thin light monitor.

Thanks for all the responses.
 
I found the perfect setup for a portable mini

Hi - I can totally relate, as I have used the mini as a portable computer in a pinch. We had a two week power outage, and I did not own a laptop computer. So I had to bring it to a few places - along with a very large monitor. The mini was no problem at all; I put it in a notebook bag that I had from a previous notebook (but now I see they make dedicated Mini bags). But the monitor was an issue - and I was worried about damaging the monitor. This portable display just came out and I love the idea: a portable monitor! Check it out http://www.cultofmac.com/toshibas-mobile-lcd-monitor-is-an-ipad-thin-second-display/87792
... there are smaller ones made by other companies- Mimeo or something like that - but it theirs are too small (about 8 inches) and only 800x600 resolution.
** the mini travel case: http://www.123macmini.com/accessories/guide/bags.html

qwerty808 said:
Hi,

I'm new to apple products, but i need a mac... one in which i can move around with me like a laptop. but i don't like laptops. never use the keyboard or trackpad, and the way i use it, the keyboard gap between myself and the screen could be eliminated.

so i see the mac mini and it looks powerful enough for me and very portable. my only issue is getting a screen for it that is portable enough too. the screen size could be anything from 13-19 inches, just so long as it's quite light and thin.

i understand this question is not specifically about the mini itself, bit i though there may be owners out there who have addressed this problem and found some suitable monitors.

also, do you think the mini is suitable as a portable laptop replacement as it seems to be.... like will it take a few knocks on the road etc?

thanks
Click to expand...
 
designs said:
This portable display just came out and I love the idea: a portable monitor! Check it out http://www.cultofmac.com/toshibas-mobile-lcd-monitor-is-an-ipad-thin-second-display/87792
... there are smaller ones made by other companies- Mimeo or something like that - but it theirs are too small (about 8 inches) and only 800x600 resolution.
** the mini travel case: http://www.123macmini.com/accessories/guide/bags.html
Click to expand...

That screen looks pretty cool :)
Also, what's wrong with lugging a Mini about in it's box? If Apple thinks it's safe enough to ship it in, it's probably safe enough to carry it in, unless you plan on being a test dummy or something?

And finally, I hear some people have connected their iPad's to their Mini's for a monitor.
 
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Get a Refurbished 21.5" iMac, as it comes with a Wireless mouse and keyboard, I think this is the only all in one solution to replace the use of a MacBook or MBP.
 
gkathy said:
Watch this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNkuTvpmXIQ
Click to expand...

Setting up the ipad as a monitor depends on a stable network connection. You need a main monitor to set up the connection. If you are on the road this is not usefull. When you shut down the mac mini, the connection will be lost. Automatically launching the connection on startup does not seem to be reliable. I have done some research on this, and it seems, that ipads and similar mobile computers simply cannot fully replace a mobile monitor.
 
new mobile monitors out there - hdmi, vga and even battery!

Hallo, this thread is old already, but now things seem to evolve.
Have a look at this:
http://www.gechic.com/product_en.asp
There are different versions: Those with a usb-only connection will obviously make problems, because you still need a main monitor to set up. There are a few of these usb monitors, even from major manufacturers like HP or Toshiba.

But those from Gechic.com also seem to have HDMI and VGA Inputs, so you can connect nearly every computer. Some of those monitors even have Battery operation, that means they are dedicated for mobile use, but can also replace the main monitor at home.

I have written an email to the vendor asking for confirmation if it also works standalone with mac mini, just for being sure.

Let me know, If you get one in your hands!
 
qwerty808 said:
it will be packed in a suitcase and moved once every few months. it will only be used in apartments. So i guess my usage is like a desktop computer that needs to be moved from country to country every few months (about 3 months).
Click to expand...

For an easily transportable computer, you could take an iMac and keep the original box stashed away. I haven't done it often, but if you keep all the packaging intact, it's five minutes to put an iMac into its box, and five minutes to take it out.

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rnb2 said:
He doesn't want a laptop, period.
Click to expand...

I always take the Apple approach: Don't care what people say they want. He has a problem, thought about a solution, and _thinks_ he knows one component of the solution. I'd always go back to the original problem and find the best solution for that, ignoring whatever partial solution he thought about.

And a MacBook with the lid closed _is_ a MacMini. Just a very flat and wide one. You can use it exactly like a MacMini. In addition, you can use it on your sofa, in the garden, on a train. You can use it to add a small extra monitor if you need one. You can use it during a power failure.

_And_ the thread starter didn't describe his situation well enough to give a correct answer, so anything that gets more information out is helpful.
 
official reply from Gechic...

Here is the official reply from the vendor of the "Gechic" mobile monitors:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Dear Michael,

GeChic On-Lap monitors can work with Mac Mini.
On-Lap monitors use USB cable for power, and also use cable that support DVI, HDMI, or mini-DP interface.

The On-Lap 2501M has HDMI cable that can connect to Mac Mini.
The On-Lap 1302 has optional accessory, the mini-DP cable, that can connect to Mac Mini.

(...) "

-> Problem solved. Finally. :)
 
gnasher729 said:
And a MacBook with the lid closed _is_ a MacMini.
Click to expand...

Yes but two times the price of a mac mini. Plus the mini is more powerfull, it has Quad Core Processors, more connection possibilities, more Ram, the new fusion drives,....
When you want a Quad Core Mac Notebook for example, you may spend beyond 2500€. With Flash drives and plenty of Ram you can spend 3500€.

The Imac on the other hand is not portable. Sure, you can move it around, but portability? Well that depends on personal needs.

For me the mac mini is fine. Now with great mobile monitors even more than ever.
 
qwerty808 said:
it will be packed in a suitcase and moved once every few months. it will only be used in apartments. So i guess my usage is like a desktop computer that needs to be moved from country to country every few months (about 3 months).

Sorry, I guess I was unclear on the usage, and the title is misleading.

my thinking was that i could pack the power brick, mini, tiny kb i have, mouse, various cables into my suitcase quite easily. my only problem was the monitor... 2 options are:

1. buy a small, thin, light monitor than could be packed in the suitcase.
2. at each location buy a 2nd hand cheap monitor that could either be re-sold upon leaving or diced.

so, are there any recommendations on a monitor that could be packed or they don't exist?

Please, i don't like laptops... so i'm either going for option 1 or 2 above.

thanks
Click to expand...

Mac mini for travel is excellent and compact.

A power cord, hdmi cable, wireless KB and wireless mouse. Make sure to have a Mac mini with a second internal drive - use that as time machine or if you are running windows have one HDD OS X with Winclone and the other as windows. As monitor use the nearest TV, not perfect but completely useable.

The mini is almost indestructable - no more squashed covers, no more cracked screens by inconsiderate fellow plane travellers trying to push their luggage at the last moment in the overhead locker and damaging your computer. It is lighter than a laptop. KB and mouse can be packed in checked luggage or on location you can pick up a cheap set. I've had between 15 and 20 laptops and travelled a lot - the mini was my saviour - at location I used a monitor from the firm or the TV in the hotel room.

Don't let the nay sayers discourage you, you won't know until you've tried it yourself. It works for me. (and just as well we do not all have the same opinion, life would be very boring if we did). Peace to all.

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gnasher729 said:
[/COLOR]


And a MacBook with the lid closed _is_ a MacMini. Just a very flat and wide one. You can use it exactly like a MacMini. .
Click to expand...

drop a macbook and see how it works afterwards.
drop a mac mini and see how it works afterwards.
 
Bought a GeChic On Lap Monitor, 13.3", on Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0JC-0001-00002

Pre-ordered this external battery. Due for release in October.
http://chargeall.com

Costs around $400 (USD).
Finally, a truly portable Mac mini!
 
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paulrbeers said:
And you spent more than a base MBP to get what? A quad core processor vs dual? And much less elegant? That's just silly.
Click to expand...

My Dad upgraded to an iMac, so I got his Mini as an upgrade to my Windows PC. I wanted to make it portable, so I got a monitor, and am getting the battery as a charging solution for my iPad and Mini.

Besides, OP wants to make his existing Mini portable, not buy a MacBook. If he wanted a MacBook, this thread wouldn't exist. I'm just telling him how I'm doing it.
 
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parkour.swift said:
My Dad upgraded to an iMac, so I got his Mini as an upgrade to my Windows PC. I wanted to make it portable, so I got a monitor, and am getting the battery as a charging solution for my iPad and Mini.

Besides, OP wants to make his existing Mini portable, not buy a MacBook. If he wanted a MacBook, this thread wouldn't exist. I'm just telling him how I'm doing it.
Click to expand...

OP started this thread in 2010! I doubt he's still contemplating how to do this 4 years later! He may not even be an active member anymore!
 
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